Ella POV:

I ran through the mud.

"Stop!" I screamed at the operator.

Diana stood by the luxury sedan, dry and pristine. "Dig it up. Gavin deserves the best view. The soil here is perfect."

"You monster!"

I lunged, claws extending, but the Alpha Aura slammed me face-first into the sludge.

"Submit," Arthur boomed, stepping out of the car. "Attacking again?"

"She's digging up Grandma!" I choked out, pinned.

"Diana says this plot was promised to Gavin," Arthur said, voice devoid of emotion. "His blood saved me. That makes him an honorary Elder. If Diana wants this spot, she gets it."

The metal claw ripped up the flowers. It lifted the wooden chest containing the urn.

Diana opened it. She pulled out the blue ceramic urn.

"Tacky," she said.

"Give it to me," I sobbed, crawling forward.

Diana smirked. "Oops."

She opened her hands.

The urn hit a rock. Smash.

Grey ash puffed into the air and turned instantly to sludge in the rain.

"My hand slipped," Diana said flatly. "Trauma."

Arthur looked at the mess. He didn't look happy, but his eyes were dull, drugged. He didn't stop her. He didn't help me.

"Let's go," Arthur said, turning away. "Leave her to play in the mud."

They drove off. I was left frantically scooping wet ash and dirt into my dress.

Ella POV:

I sat in my room, a jar of muddy earth on the dresser. That was my grandmother now.

"Alpha demands your presence," a maid said. "Former Alpha's 80th birthday."

I wore a black mourning dress. It hid the bruises.

The banquet hall was dazzling. Arthur sat at the head table, Diana on his left, wearing my mother's necklace and a massive diamond ring.

"Sit," Arthur commanded, pointing to the servant's end.

I sat. Hand on my stomach. I'm sorry, little one.

Diana stood for a toast. As she walked past me, she threw herself to the floor.

"My ring!" she shrieked.

The band had snapped on the marble.

"She tripped me!" Diana pointed at me. "She cursed the ring!"

The Former Alpha stood up. "Arthur! Discipline this jealous Omega! Use the whip."

Arthur hesitated. "Grandfather... the whip is severe."

"Do you love this woman?" The old man pointed at Diana. "Then defend her honor!"

Arthur looked at me. His jaw tightened. Pride won out over the drug-induced haze.

"Guards," he said softly. "Take Ella to the courtyard. Prepare the Silver Whip."

"Arthur, no," I whispered. "I'm pregnant."

I shouted it.

Diana laughed. "Oh, stop! She told the doctors that lie too! Phantom pregnancy. She's crazy, Arthur!"

Arthur looked at my flat stomach. "Stop lying to save your skin."

"Ask Dr. Evans!"

"Evans is on leave," Diana cut in. "The new doctor said your scan was empty. Just gas."

Arthur turned away. "Take her."